The precautionary principle in international relations: constructing foreign and defense policy in an age of uncertainty

McLean, Craig and Patterson, Alan
(2012)
The precautionary principle in international relations: constructing foreign and defense policy in an age of uncertainty.
Edwin Mellen Press, Lewiston, NY.
ISBN 9780773429406

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Abstract

This book deals with the pros and cons of the Precautionary Principle in foreign affairs such as when to engage in a pre-emptive war. Global security threats are arguably more acute than at any other time in recorded history because they are more difficult to discern and perhaps even to understand. Governments must incorporate preventative measures to protect against unforeseen attacks on their soil from terrorists. The book argues that elements of the weaker version of the Precautionary Principle can be applied to foreign relations and defense policies where the nature of intelligence gathering is weak. Research in the book shows that the Precautionary Principle provided an important element of US Defense strategy under the George W. Bush Administration. Usually, it is used to curb a real or perceived threat to national security as a way to eliminate the risk of an attack by a terrorist organization in a major city. The purpose of this book is to test whether or not the Precautionary Principle can ensure steps to protect national security within one particular sovereign nation and also address wider issues of regional and global security on a worldwide scale.